Keigo Higashino's 'The Keeper of the Camphor Tree' Anime Film Unveils Immersive Trailer and Key Cast for 2026 Debut

The highly anticipated anime film adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s beloved fantasy novel, Kusunoki no Bannin (The Keeper of the Camphor Tree), has unveiled a mesmerizing full trailer, announced critical new additions to the cast, and detailed the complete creative team. Fans should note the scheduled theatrical debut across Japan on January 30, 2026.

A High-Caliber Production Team

This project signals a high-quality production, boasting an impressive array of talent. Directing the feature is the acclaimed Tomohiko Ito, renowned for his masterful work on smash hits like Sword Art Online and Hello World. The complex narrative is being adapted for the screen by seasoned scriptwriter Taku Kishimoto, celebrated for his compelling storytelling in series such as Boku dake ga Inai Machi (Erased).

Visually, the film is in expert hands. Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the artist behind Blue Period, leads the character designs, assisted by animation director Ayako Itagaki. Further promising an immersive experience, the atmospheric musical score is being composed by Yuugo Kanno, known globally for his dynamic soundtracks, including JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders. Production efforts are a collaboration between A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio.

The Enigma of the Camphor Tree and New Cast Members

The narrative centers on Reito Naoi, who finds himself entrusted with the ancient, mysterious camphor tree under the watchful eye of his distant relative, Chifune Yanagisawa. The film promises a captivating blend of emotional human drama and deep fantasy as it unravels the myths and secrets surrounding the mystical tree located at the Tsukigō shrine.

Adding depth to this unfolding mystery are the newly announced voice actors: Asuka Saitō steps into the role of Yumi Saji, Ryūbi Miyase voices Sōki Ōba, and veteran actor Takao Ōsawa portrays Toshiaki Saji. All these figures are intrinsically linked to the camphor tree’s enduring enigma.

A Literary Success Translated to Anime

Higashino’s original novel, published in 2020 by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, has already achieved remarkable success, moving over one million copies worldwide. International fans can look forward to an English release in June 2026, translated by Jordan Taylor and published by Little, Brown Book Group.

This adaptation is especially noteworthy as it represents the first anime film based on Keigo Higashino's prolific literary career, which has historically seen primarily live-action adaptations. Exceptional attention has also been paid to the audio experience, with Masatoshi Katsumata serving as supervising sound editor and Takahiro Fujishima handling re-recording mixer duties. Along with the trailer, a visually stunning key visual was also unveiled, fueling widespread excitement among enthusiasts of high-caliber Japanese literature and anime.